Page 99 of The Tape Job
“I like the navy,” she says. “But we both know you’re going to go with the silver. What did you actually need my help with?”
I usher her out of the store, and we head across the street.
“I just don’t like being alone with that Matt Rodgers. He gives me the creeps,” I shiver.
Jen pushes the door open to the coffee shop, and we spot Johnny in the far corner talking to a girl I’ve never seenbefore. His head snaps up, and as soon as he catches my eye, he hurries over. “Did you know Bettsy had a sister?”
“No?”
“Well, that’s her. She said she was coming along to the home game this weekend. Anyway, gotta head out. See you later.” He’s out of the coffee shop in a cloud of smoke. As soon as the door thuds shut behind him, Jen raises her eyebrows at me.
“That was weird,” she says. I agree, but Johnny can be weird, and I’m still feeling uneasy about everything. “But anyway, Matt is creepy. Have you seen his girlfriend hanging around after the games? I’ve tried to be friendly, but she just looks down her nose at me.”
I can’t say I’ve noticed the girlfriend; but then again, I’m usually not paying much attention to anyone other than Liam. I’m surprised Jen’s not noticed this, or if she has, she’s not said anything. As we queue, I debate letting her in on all the things that have been happening because I hate sneaking around, and it’s becoming stressful.
“Vic, is that your phone ringing?” Jen nudges me out of a stare I didn’t realise I was doing. By the time I pull my phone out, I’ve missed the call. A few moments later, I’m notified of a voicemail. I put the phone to my ear and listen as the queue moves.
“Oh my God,” I say under my breath as I hang up. “Someone’s paid a big chunk of my rent upfront. Was it—”
“Nope, it wasn’t me. I mean I thought about it because there’s a few places we’re really interested in putting in an offer for, but I figured that after Liam—”
“Shit. Then who?”
Jen orders for us as I tap out a message to Liam. He texts back straight away.
Liam
No. But I can probably guess who did.
Vicky
???
My phone vibrates in my hand. I don’t let it get past one ring before I answer it.
“Look, he asked me not to mention it, but whatever. Given his track record—”
“Was it Johnny?”
“Well, that’d be my guess. He asked if he could borrow three grand, and I just gave it to him. I knew he wouldn’t ask unless he absolutely had no other choice.” There’s a mumble of conversation off the line. “Johnny’s just walked in, actually. Do you want me to ask him?”
“Where are you?”
“That Wetherspoons on the corner, what’s it called Betts?” There’s more mumbling while he has a side conversation, but I know where it is. I tell him I’ll be there soon.
“Change of plans, Jen. We’re going to the pub instead.”
“But—”
“Come on.”
We abandon our drinks, and I use the short walk to tell Jen that Liam suspects Johnny paid it. By the time we get to the pub, we have to push our way through the cluster of people crowding the door.
It doesn’t take me long to spot the team with Bettsy’s laugh booming across the open space.
“Where’s Johnny?” I ask no one in particular, glancing around for him.
“He was here a minute ago,” Danny shrugs before taking a gulp of his drink.
